A Guide To Antique Wall Clock Reproduction
Do you need an antique wall clock reproduction? Well, here are some questions for you to answer, before you contact a reproduction shop. If you know what type of antique wall clock reproduction you really want and need, your local clock reproduction shop will be better able to help you.
One-Of-A-Kind or Mass-Produced?
Many antique wall clock reproductions are simply mass produced items of famous models - such as the old-west style banjo wall clock, or a variety of old cuckoo clock designs. Is this what you are after -- or are you looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind reproduction? As the mass-produced items are readily available, we will assume in the rest of this article that you are looking to reproduce a particular clock.
What Do You Want Reproduced? The phrase, 'antique wall clock reproduction' can actually apply to several types of reproductions: Reproduction of the inner mechanism (the clock works), reproduction of the dial or clock face, or the reproduction of the cabinet housing the clock. You will need to determine which - perhaps several, perhaps all - type of antique wall clock reproduction you need. The amount of work needed will, of course, determine the final cost of doing the reproduction, so you will need to consider your finances/budget when arranging for any antique wall clock reproduction. In general, we can say with a great deal of certainty that the most expensive type of antique wall clock reproduction is the reproduction, or duplication, of the inner mechanism, the clock works. Many older clocks have mechanisms that have stopped working, some of them beyond the point of repair. Antique wall clock reproduction of the inner mechanism may require the special fabrication of very small, delicate parts such as gears and springs. Getting this work done is very labor-intensive, requiring specialized knowledge, tools and materials. For this reason you will pay a lot for replication of clock work mechanisms. Antique wall clock reproduction involving the replication of the cabinet - usually wooden - is more straightforward, but may still be expensive, depending on the woods needed, and the amount of woodworking needed to finish the cabinet. Do You Have An Existing Model? Often persons desiring antique wall clock reproduction have an existing model - even non-functioning will do - of the clock that they wish to have reproduced. It is much easier to construct an antique wall clock reproduction from an existing model than from a picture or photograph. It is best if you can give the clock reproduction/restoration shop an existing model. Like-New Or With Signs Of Aging? Finally, do you want your antique wall clock reproduction to look like it was just purchased - in brand-new condition? If you buy one of the mass-produced models this is what you will get. But some people want to pass off their antique wall clock reproduction as an actual antique. If this is what you want, you will need to make sure that your restoration shop artificially 'ages' the appearance of your clock. They can do this by using distressed woods, incorporating scratches and dents, flake off the paint a bit, etc. You must never try to pass off an antique wall clock reproduction as an actual antique for financial gain -- this is a fraudulent activity which can get you into real trouble. It is just that some people like the appearance of something which is aged. If you will carefully consider these questions, you will be better prepared to secure an antique wall clock reproduction which will give you great satisfaction for many years to come.
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